The alarm goes off and Ralph immediately jumps to his feet; needing to go out and wanting to be fed.

Yawn. My brain needs coffee; java juice. I change my PJs, run my fingers through my hair, slide on my flops and down the road I go.

It’s a crisp, cool morning and the sun is just breaking. The windows are down. The radio is casting a 70’s vibe. God’s heaven is painted with streaks of pink and purple and with bold rays of gold; all dancing with the grey clouds breezing by.

I drive up to the doughnut shop, order my brew and a few doughnut holes…for medicinal purposes, of course. I pay, make my way to the main road and wait for the light to change.

—That gorgeous dawn before me is the only stimulant my soul needs.

The green arrow appears. Making the U-turn, I see the sleepy-eyed sky ahead. The darkness is beginning to fade; a monochrome still-life. The rear view mirror captures the glory behind me that is rising quickly to greet the day.

The next street on the right is my last turn before home. The aroma of the coffee stirs my senses. I flip on the blinker and as I take my last look towards the west…there it is. Heaven’s light.

The boldness and beauty behind me has reached beyond all that is before me. His light has overcome. Its strength has my back. Its hope lights my way.

Ralph and his wagging tail greets me at the door. We plop on the floor…a large French roast and a double shot of God’s blessings. What a great start to our day. And, the donut crumbs in Ralphy’s beard make me believe he thinks so too.

-v.

The foggy dew lingers; defusing the morning light. A robin sits contently upon the fence greeting the day. The three year old in my heart can still hear the whisper of my grandmother, as she introduced me to her favorite feathered friend, “Lil’ Red-Breast is up early to catch himself a worm”.

With a chirp and the sun’s rays breaking through the haze—I can feel her near.

-v.

Our furry, tail-waggin’ leader, Miss Mooshi Moo. She’s been such a blessing to our family with the joy she brings each day. She adopted our hearts and made us a family nearly ten years ago, and we haven’t been the same since. She’s a smart, feisty and funny lil’ beast. And despite age and health, her spirit is that of a young pup. She has found her voice and we have trained nicely to her commands—she’s quite pleased. I guess that means a cookie… for her, not for us.

-v.

Broken spirts still cast their pure light—

Brass can tarnish. A diamond can lack luster. And, eyes can lose their sparkle. Similarly, our inner core, our true being, can lose its aura. Yet, beneath it all, remains the same altruistic beauty; timeless.

~ We’re all beautiful souls; shining from the inside out.

-v.